More than 250 homes and businesses have been damaged by Hurricane Ida in the City of Wilmington, leaving many residents without gas or electricity, the city reported.
The City of Wilmington is partnering with Delmarva Power to assess and repair the damage. If residents are without gas or power:
- Do not touch your gas meter
- Wait until an electrician can monitor your system
- For immediate support, contact the Social Services Call Center: 302-571-4900
The Division of Social Services (DSS), Delaware Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD), and the City of Wilmington will be canvassing affected neighborhoods throughout through the Labor Day weekend to inform residents about processes for re-electrification, getting a new gas line, debris pick up, food delivery, and emergency housing.
If your housing is unsafe, contact the Social Services Call Center: 302-571-4900. Deaf or Hearing-Impaired individuals can call 7-1-1 and give the Customer Service Call Center number.
Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
The Governor’s Office, DHSS, DEMA, and other community partners will be hosting a Disaster Reception Center for Hurricane Ida Flooding on Tuesday, September 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Warehouse, 1121 Thatcher Street. Representatives will be on site from agencies that can provide recovery resources for those impacted by the recent flooding event. If possible, residents should bring:
- A valid government-issued form of identification
- Proof of residency
- Insurance documents
- Proof of income
Currently, Delaware residents displaced by Hurricane Ida may search for available housing and disaster recovery-related resources using www.DelawareHousingSearch.org, or call toll-free 1-877-428-8844.
The City of Wilmington’s Department of Public Works has removed approximately 55 tons of debris from flooded areas of the City over the past two days.
If you are interested in volunteering in the City of Wilmington, contact the Office of State Volunteerism and Volunteer Delaware at volunteer.delaware.gov/disasterresponse or call 302-381-3594.
Earlier, Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki declared the flooding a catastrophe.
The city is working in partnership with the Governor’s Office and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services in responding to the disaster.
“As the cleanup moves forward we continue to be appreciative of our dedicated first responders and Public Works personnel and all who are working so diligently to keep our residents safe,” said Purzycki. “I also thank our partners at DEMA (Delaware Emergency Management Agency) and DHSS who are assisting us tremendously as we recover from this disaster and direct residents and businesses to the resources they need right now.”
“As difficult as it may be, we ask for everyone’s continued patience as the damage is assessed and we determine the true magnitude of this catastrophe,” Purzycki said. “We understand this historic weather event has been very disruptive on lives and neighborhoods, and we will do everything we can to focus available resources to assist with the recovery.”
